3 in the Key – Toronto Raptors Game-Day Preview vs. Clippers

it's so nice to see JC getting his props He is now serviceable!! (lol)so kind

Just looking forward to the game. Last time they played was Monday.
Expecting a blowout win for the good guys.

Tonite's 1000th game should be solid... but don't expect the Paper Clips to shy away. The RAPS need to bring it... sometimes the RAPS tend to coast in games like these. BARGS should have a good game, as should Moon and Kapono. Excited to see BIG ROOK AL Thornton. Anyone think the RAPS will go after C-MAGG?

'The only possible advantage the Clips will have on the offensive end is Kaman vs. the Raptors' bigs.' See, I think this commentator sees what I see, Bargs lacks defence and is not a defensive center.

Davl, the comment about Calderon being serviceable was in reference to his *defense*, not his overall game. We all agree JC is excellent overall, but that's mostly due to his offensive abilities. Many have questioned his defensive game, where he can have the occasional difficulty. In fact, "serviceable" is one of the nicer things I've heard an outsider say when singling out JC's defensive game in particular. =)

Bargs isn't a defensive center?? Such incredible insight.....

Everyone knows Bargs is not a defensive center....he wasn't drafted to be a defensive center especially during his early years.

Kaman averages 18 and 13 Bargs can hope to contain him and make life difficult but he'll still probably get his.

What Bargs needs to focus in on is getting going offensively so Kaman has to come out and guard him. Once that happens they have nobody who will be lurking around inside making life difficult for Bosh.

If Bargs can keep the battle against Kaman even relatively close it should be an easy win for the raps.

You know what, BargsBust, you are SO right; I take back all of my earlier criticisms.

The Raps are truly in desperate need of a young, defensive presence up front. Why, oh why, then, didn't Colangelo draft Tyrus Thomas? No one can warm a bench on a 20-29 team like that defensive stopper.

But I'll offer up another tidbit, one that BargsBust knows all too well, but has kindly withheld from us in recognition of our cultural sensitivies. I have insider knowledge that Colangelo only drafted Bargnani in order to receive a lifetime discount at the Manifatture all'Orologio custom dress shirt factory in Bologna.

Unfortunately, this means that there's absolutely no chance that Bargs will be traded for Duncan, Shaq, or the exhumed corpse of Wilt Chamberlain.

It's a shame isn't it; the Raptors franchise was sold down the river for some high-collared shirts.

BargsBust, I will now stop reading RaptorsHQ and start surfing Spurs blogs because every other team is playing for second. And why root for a loser?

So, BargsBust, please join me over at SpursHQ. I'm waiting for you there so we can revel in discussions about defensive intensity. Let's never come back to these bunch of losers.

Please join me?

Should be a win tonight, but the raptors seem to struggle after long breaks. Hoepfully this time, they've just recharged and are ready lay a beat down on the clips.

I'm not a really big fan of FSN but here's a little article they wrote about our beloved Raptors. http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/Kahn_Games/2008/02/08/Lets_go_to_the_video_to_find_an_unheralded_team

I'll be at the game tonight. First game in 5 years ... my wife emails me and says "don't forget to chant for the Pizza" ... geez.

don't know if this has been mentioned but Cassel is suspended for tonights game for taking a swing at Rondo.

http://rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NBA&hl=93173&id=281

That's good news. I'm glad Cassell isn't playing. I can't stand his trash talking anyways.

At first it was annoying reading BB's posts. But after reading BB get bludgeoned to pieces by the others post after post, its starting to get perversely entertaining. Entertaining in the same way break.com videos are entertaining. Its like watching "Skateboarder Faceplants on Stairs" or "Dancer knocks himself out" or "Stevie Wonder falls at Obama Rally". No matter how hard I try, I can't stop watching the BargsBust train wreck unravel before my eyes. Now I actually look forward to reading him.

Just wanted to shout out my favourite Raptor memory in recognition of tonight's 1000th game. It was right after Karl Malone, perennial all-star and future Hall of Famer, had posterized a Raptor and then flexed his monster muscles for the tv cameras. Carlos Rogers, perennial scrub with the physique of a string bean, responded with a dunk of his own, and then flexed his toothpick arms for the cameras in an attempt to show up the Mailman. Good times.

The visiting, short handed Bulls knocked of the Warriors in Oakland. Is there a anything to read into this Raps fans? Don't let the Clipps steal one.
When the only tool you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail - find more tools Bargsbust. Gotta get an "ignor" button on this blog.

Time to jump on the Barbust beat wagon (just kidding).
He has some valid points when it comes to comparisons of his own draft class. Where would the Raptors be if they had drafted Aldridge instead of Bargnani? Of course, Aldridge and Roy both had advantages that Bargs didnt. They played in College here while Bargs was playing in what some might call less competitive leagues. However, expecting no one outside of BargsBust believed that Bargnani was going to be a good defensive centre ala Hoffa. He was drafted for his offense and they hoped that they could teach him enough on the denfensive side so that he would at least be passable. Is he there yet? Not even close but its ok because his effort is getting better and he isn't constantly in foul trouble like other players.
I understand where BB is coming from because when you compare Bargnani stats wise to other 1st overall picks over the last 10 years (in the players first 2 years) it doesn't look good. The problem with that is you can't compare him to those players for a number of reasons.
1. As a number of people have already mentioned he was in a very weak draft class. Roy was the only player that anyone thought might be worth a high pick and most experts couldn't agree who was worth it (if you recall Simmons said we should have drafted Morrison, to which I say "Morrison who?".
2. Most of those players went to teams that were crap (which is why they got drafted by them) and got ridiculous minutes. The Raptors were suppose to be mediocre last year and ended up being good.
3.Bigs take longer to develop in the NBA. Look at Yao. His first few years people were actually questioning the wisdom of Houston using the 1st pick on him. It wasn't that he sucked, only that he wasn't looking as good as most people thought he would be. Now, he obviously is a lot better.
4. Cultural differences. Other than Yao, name another foreign player taken in the 1st spot? Bet you can't. Don't underestimate the cultural shift factor as it can be very lonely on the road (or at home for that matter) when you don't know anyone and can only barely speak the language. Sports is very mental and if you dont feel comfortable you will strugle to produce.

SonicSuper, great idea in honour of the Raptor’s 1000th game… My favourite Raptor’s moment probably would be Alvin Williams hitting the game sealing jumper in the deciding game 5 (first rounds of the playoffs used to be 5 a game series) against the Knicks and letting out a primal scream on the hallowed MSG court. A close second has to be the game (can’t remember exactly which one) where Oak was having a monster game, banging in the paint, grabbing rebounds diving for loose balls and shooting lights out. The crowd spontaneously starting chanting "OAK-LEY! OAK-LEY! OAK-LEY!". The camera panned to Oak and he looked completely embarrassed and even smiled a little… priceless! Was proud to be a Raptors fan that day as it showed that Toronto fans really appreciated Oak’s hard work and grit. On that thought, is there a player in the league today who you could compare to Oakley? He was a dying breed, which unfortunately, I think may be extinct. Long live Oak!

Also don't forget if your only looking at the first few years in a players development Antoine Walker and Shareef Abdur-Rahiem would be hall of famers.

There was no sure fire superstar in that draft....and its way too early to tell who will be the best player or who would have been the best fit for the raptors.

Nice first half by the Raps.

While it has been happening gradually since the start of his career, and is only natural as he ages, I'm just wondering if anyone else has been as struck as I have recently by how much Bosh has bulked up as this year in particular has progressed.

It used to be that he looked like a tall thin fellow at all times, whether you were looking at a standard wide angle half-court camera angle, or a close-up. Lately however, he still looks thin and long from the far angle, but on close-ups after fouls and what not, he looks like he's busting out of his jersey.

Agreed Costa. I've definitely noticed the bulking of Bosh.

Question: Why is Moon starting over Delfino?

Observer, if you are really asking why Moon is starting over Defino then you really havent been watching the Raptors games at all. Hes better on defense and has the ability to explode from anywhere on the court for a huge dunk. He can also come out no where and deliver a huge block. My favourite Raptors moment would be when I went to see them play in Grade 8 against the Bucks. Jerome Williams went for a huge dunk and missed it big time but it fired up the crowd and Jerome celebrated like it was the biggest dunk ever to be done in a game. The Raptors lost that game but it was an amazing experince.

Wow, the Raptors just lost to a team 15 games under .500.
Why? Because of lack of rebounding. Whose responsibility is it to rebound? Bargnani's.
Wait, Bargnani contributes in points right? Ummm... he just shot 5-14, 1-6 3pt.
Oh he he's a great passer, yeah that's right, he got one measly assist.
I hope we don't perform like this in the playoffs because we will lose BIG. Please please please trade Bargnani.

BTW, dictionary.com states that a 'bust' can be defined as 'to collapse from the strain of making a supreme effort'. Bargnani falls flat on his face as he tries to play defence, because he can't. As Kaman had a field day against him.

Actual relevant stats:
Bosh 0 blocks, 3 t/o
Parker 2-8
3 pt % 28.6

Although Bargani was on fire defensively, no lane intimidation whatsoever tonight as a team. Just not sharp. Blame the layoff.

Moon shoots a higher %, defends and rebounds better. He does not require as many shots as Delfino, which is good considering our other four starters. Other than 3 point shooting, Moon is just a better player.

Axl, blame the layoff, the Raptors are supposed to be fired up because they want to go on a winning streak. They have had plenty of time to stay sharp during practice. You're just full of excuses. I'm so glad you're not the GM of the Raptors

BargsBust, you call Kaman's performance a field day? Were we watching the same game? Even Chuck and Leo for crying out loud commented on the good job he was doing covering Kaman. I find it rather annoying having to read your nonsense each day. You are like that commercial that cuts into a movie during a climactic moment. I read this blog daily, begin to enjoy the insight...and then...cut to BargsBust and his very insightful commentary. I don't mean to pry, but did Bargnani make a move on your girlfriend or something? There really has to be something deeper going on. A little psychoanalysis might help.